US20150068511A1 - Alternative Stove Top Counter Top - Google Patents
Alternative Stove Top Counter Top Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150068511A1 US20150068511A1 US14/271,273 US201414271273A US2015068511A1 US 20150068511 A1 US20150068511 A1 US 20150068511A1 US 201414271273 A US201414271273 A US 201414271273A US 2015068511 A1 US2015068511 A1 US 2015068511A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- stove top
- slats
- stove
- expanded
- elongate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C15/00—Details
- F24C15/12—Side rests; Side plates; Cover lids; Splash guards; Racks outside ovens, e.g. for drying plates
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to the field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to the field of stove guards and counter tops.
- U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,282 to Rodney B. Fischer describes a disposable stove top covering that is used to protect the surface of the stove top during cooking.
- the stove top covering is comprised of a substantially planar sheet of material that has decorative indicia or graphic such as recipes, instructions and information.
- the cover protects the stove top as well as absorbs fluids such as oil, sauce and water.
- a bottom fluid impervious layer protects the stove top while an absorbent layer retains any spills with the top layer having micro holes for fluids to pass through and be retained.
- a lip passing around the periphery of the cover and each heating element contains fluids and food particles on the disposable cover.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,962 to W. S. Dominic Ng describes a glass top countertop range that is mounted on a structure formed by a first box structure that fits through a hole in the countertop and is supported by a peripheral flange and a second inverted box structure significantly smaller than the first box structure and telescopingly received in the first box structure to provide an air space between the two box structures.
- the top of the second box structure lies in face to face relationship with a glass top of the range and the glass top is secured to and supported by the second box structure which in turn is supported in the first box structure.
- U.S. Patent 2008/0283032 to Qi Dang describes a stove guard for a drop in cooktop that is attached to the front edge of a kitchen countertop by inserting the guard panel into two holding devices which are attached onto the front surface of the countertop.
- the guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the cooktop.
- the guard is installable or removable in seconds.
- FIG. 1 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a retracted position on a stove top.
- FIG. 2 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in an expanded position covering a stove top.
- FIG. 3 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a partially expanded position covering the back half of a stove top.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a slat having a convex edge and a concave edge.
- the present invention hereinafter referred as the Alternative Stove Top Counter Top, or simply alternative counter top, is a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top.
- the present invention provides an instantly usable area of counter space, especially for those who live and work in tiny quarters with constricted kitchen areas.
- An instant counter top is created in a small kitchen, providing residents with more working room when preparing meals in their compact homes.
- the alternative counter top is rectangular in shape. In its expanded form, shown in FIG. 2 , the alternative counter top measures approximately thirty inches in length, twenty one inches in width and one and a quarter inches to one and seven eighths in depth.
- the counter top comprises a series of elongate slats 24 which are hinged together to create accordion folds when it is retracted, and mounted on top of the back of an existing stove.
- Any suitable hinges 26 can be used, however, spaced apart hinges, or piano type hinges are contemplated.
- the mating edges of the slats are constructed to prevent spillage or anything from falling between the slats.
- One elongate edge of the slat comprises a convexly curved edge 32 and mates with the next consecutive slat having a concavely curved edge 34 .
- Each slat 24 has a concave edge 34 on one side and a convex edge 32 on the opposite side.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a slat 24 showing convex edge 34 and concave edge 32 .
- the accordion folds extend to create functional and usable counter space.
- the alternative counter top is constructed to expand and retract in an accordion fashion.
- the slats are constructed of any suitable material including aluminum, or plastic, for example.
- the alternative counter top stretches fully over an entire stove top or partially over two burners, leaving the other two burners free for cooking while using the countertop.
- the alternative counter top compactly folds back together and can reside on the back of the stove until rolled out and used again.
- the alternative counter top is expandable and compactable over a stove top in a matter of seconds, providing a fully functional and stably secure counter top work area without compromising any other usable space.
- the alternative counter top is left in place and utilized for housing nonperishable food items or even a selection of decorative items.
- Home chefs employ the alternative counter top as a support for a cutting board, slicing and dicing fruits, vegetables and meats, and then toss the foods into a hot pot or pan simmering beside the surface.
- This unique and practical work area proves especially beneficial to those living in college dormitories, studio apartments, mobile homes, assisted living facilities or anywhere else that space is extremely limited and more counter space is welcomed.
- the alternative counter top is very functional in businesses or schools with office and teacher lounges. Manufactured of durable, high quality materials and components, the alternative counter top will withstand years of continued use.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
Abstract
The alternative counter top is a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top. The alternative counter top is rectangular in shape and comprises a series of elongate slats which are hinged together to create accordion folds when retracted, and mounted on top of the back of an existing stove. When expanded, the slats create usable counter space. The elongate edges of the slats are convex on one side and concave on the opposite side to prevent spillage between the slats when expanded.
Description
- This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/819,765 filed May 6, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “AACT America's Alternative Counter Tops.”
- The present invention pertains to the field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to the field of stove guards and counter tops.
- The prior art has put forth several designs for stove guards and counter tops. Among these are:
- U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,282 to Rodney B. Fischer describes a disposable stove top covering that is used to protect the surface of the stove top during cooking. The stove top covering is comprised of a substantially planar sheet of material that has decorative indicia or graphic such as recipes, instructions and information. The cover protects the stove top as well as absorbs fluids such as oil, sauce and water. A bottom fluid impervious layer protects the stove top while an absorbent layer retains any spills with the top layer having micro holes for fluids to pass through and be retained. A lip passing around the periphery of the cover and each heating element contains fluids and food particles on the disposable cover.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,962 to W. S. Dominic Ng describes a glass top countertop range that is mounted on a structure formed by a first box structure that fits through a hole in the countertop and is supported by a peripheral flange and a second inverted box structure significantly smaller than the first box structure and telescopingly received in the first box structure to provide an air space between the two box structures. The top of the second box structure lies in face to face relationship with a glass top of the range and the glass top is secured to and supported by the second box structure which in turn is supported in the first box structure.
- U.S. Patent 2008/0283032 to Qi Dang describes a stove guard for a drop in cooktop that is attached to the front edge of a kitchen countertop by inserting the guard panel into two holding devices which are attached onto the front surface of the countertop. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the cooktop. The guard is installable or removable in seconds.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,945 to Michael G. Somerton describes a sanitary attractive food preparation cutting board made of hardwood or colored non wood material, having a high friction non slip backing applied, which fits on top of recreational vehicle stove burners to silence rattles, add counter space and enhance interior decor. This invention is relatively inexpensive and is easily stored when not in use.
- None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top to create usable counter space, wherein the device comprises a series of hinged slats.
-
FIG. 1 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a retracted position on a stove top. -
FIG. 2 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in an expanded position covering a stove top. -
FIG. 3 is a prototypical top down diagonal view showing the present invention in a partially expanded position covering the back half of a stove top. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a slat having a convex edge and a concave edge. - People who reside in small living spaces, such as dorm rooms, studio apartments and mobile homes, readily attest that the main advantage of less space is less area to clean. However, small spaces have downsides when it comes to decorating and storage. Studio apartments and college dorms pose a particular problem due to the fact that all household functions are limited to one room. Eating, entertaining, sleeping and studying occur within one small room. When working with any compact living area, incorporating multifunctional furnishings and accessories optimizes usable space enormously.
- The present invention, hereinafter referred as the Alternative Stove Top Counter Top, or simply alternative counter top, is a compactable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top. The present invention provides an instantly usable area of counter space, especially for those who live and work in tiny quarters with constricted kitchen areas. An instant counter top is created in a small kitchen, providing residents with more working room when preparing meals in their compact homes. The alternative counter top is rectangular in shape. In its expanded form, shown in
FIG. 2 , the alternative counter top measures approximately thirty inches in length, twenty one inches in width and one and a quarter inches to one and seven eighths in depth. The counter top comprises a series ofelongate slats 24 which are hinged together to create accordion folds when it is retracted, and mounted on top of the back of an existing stove. Anysuitable hinges 26 can be used, however, spaced apart hinges, or piano type hinges are contemplated. - The mating edges of the slats are constructed to prevent spillage or anything from falling between the slats. One elongate edge of the slat comprises a convexly
curved edge 32 and mates with the next consecutive slat having a concavelycurved edge 34. Eachslat 24 has aconcave edge 34 on one side and aconvex edge 32 on the opposite side.FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a slat 24 showingconvex edge 34 andconcave edge 32. - When the device is extended, the accordion folds extend to create functional and usable counter space. Configured to be installed over top of the stove top, the alternative counter top is constructed to expand and retract in an accordion fashion. The slats are constructed of any suitable material including aluminum, or plastic, for example.
- The alternative counter top stretches fully over an entire stove top or partially over two burners, leaving the other two burners free for cooking while using the countertop. The alternative counter top compactly folds back together and can reside on the back of the stove until rolled out and used again.
- The alternative counter top is expandable and compactable over a stove top in a matter of seconds, providing a fully functional and stably secure counter top work area without compromising any other usable space. For non cookers, the alternative counter top is left in place and utilized for housing nonperishable food items or even a selection of decorative items. Home chefs employ the alternative counter top as a support for a cutting board, slicing and dicing fruits, vegetables and meats, and then toss the foods into a hot pot or pan simmering beside the surface. This unique and practical work area proves especially beneficial to those living in college dormitories, studio apartments, mobile homes, assisted living facilities or anywhere else that space is extremely limited and more counter space is welcomed. The alternative counter top is very functional in businesses or schools with office and teacher lounges. Manufactured of durable, high quality materials and components, the alternative counter top will withstand years of continued use.
- Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
Claims (9)
1. A stove top device comprising a retractable and expandable surface to be placed over an existing stove top, to create usable counter space, wherein the stove top has a back, comprising: a series of elongate slats which are hinged together at the longitudinal edge of the slats to create usable counter space when expanded, and retract into accordion folds when retracted, and mounted on top of back of an existing stove.
2. The stove top device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate slats are hinged together by means of spaced apart hinges.
3. The stove top device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate slats are hinged together by means of piano type hinges.
4. The stove top device of claim 1 , wherein the slats are constructed of aluminum or plastic.
5. The stove top device of claim 1 , wherein each slat has a concave curve on one elongate edge and a convex curve on the opposite elongate edge.
6. The stove top device of claim 1 wherein the device is capable of being expanded fully over an entire stove top.
7. The stove top device of claim 1 wherein the device is capable of being expanded partially over two burners, leaving the other two burners free for cooking while using the created counter space.
8. The stove top device of claim 1 wherein the device is rectangular in shape.
9. The stove top device of claim 8 where the device measures approximately thirty inches in length, twenty one inches in width and one and a quarter inches to one and seven eighths in depth when expanded.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/271,273 US20150068511A1 (en) | 2013-05-06 | 2014-05-06 | Alternative Stove Top Counter Top |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361819765P | 2013-05-06 | 2013-05-06 | |
US14/271,273 US20150068511A1 (en) | 2013-05-06 | 2014-05-06 | Alternative Stove Top Counter Top |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150068511A1 true US20150068511A1 (en) | 2015-03-12 |
Family
ID=52624289
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/271,273 Abandoned US20150068511A1 (en) | 2013-05-06 | 2014-05-06 | Alternative Stove Top Counter Top |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20150068511A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD810493S1 (en) | 2016-02-25 | 2018-02-20 | Dometic Sweden Ab | Cooktop cover |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1447667A (en) * | 1919-06-14 | 1923-03-06 | Carey Philip Mfg Co | Heat-insulating table mat |
US4597450A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1986-07-01 | Hermann Budmiger | Fire-proof cover and its use |
US4723588A (en) * | 1984-07-05 | 1988-02-09 | Rueppel Kurt | Roller shutter slat of the so-called mini-size made from a roll-shaped aluminium strip |
US6371105B1 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2002-04-16 | Cecilia Merritt | Stove burner shield with folding splashguards and locking control knob protective cover |
US6568732B2 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2003-05-27 | Webasto Vehicle Systems International Gmbh | Cargo space cover for passenger vehicles |
US20040191483A1 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2004-09-30 | Cartier John L. | Foldable freezer compartment mat |
US20070074826A1 (en) * | 2003-12-22 | 2007-04-05 | Jelic Ralph G | Retractable shade for coverings for architectural openings |
US20090043193A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Parrish Rob G | Procedure radiograph orientation device and methods of use |
US20090064990A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Wilkins Karen V | Range roll pliable, heat-resistant silicone stovetop cover for smooth cooktop stoves and ranges |
US20090209155A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2009-08-20 | Chapman Thermal Products, Inc. | Layered thermally-insulating fabric with thin heat reflective and heat distributing core |
US20130081608A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | Mary Ida Bonadio | Stove top shield |
US20150157281A1 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2015-06-11 | Rob Gene Parrish | Procedure radiograph orientation device and methods of use |
-
2014
- 2014-05-06 US US14/271,273 patent/US20150068511A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1447667A (en) * | 1919-06-14 | 1923-03-06 | Carey Philip Mfg Co | Heat-insulating table mat |
US4597450A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1986-07-01 | Hermann Budmiger | Fire-proof cover and its use |
US4723588A (en) * | 1984-07-05 | 1988-02-09 | Rueppel Kurt | Roller shutter slat of the so-called mini-size made from a roll-shaped aluminium strip |
US20040191483A1 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2004-09-30 | Cartier John L. | Foldable freezer compartment mat |
US6371105B1 (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2002-04-16 | Cecilia Merritt | Stove burner shield with folding splashguards and locking control knob protective cover |
US6568732B2 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2003-05-27 | Webasto Vehicle Systems International Gmbh | Cargo space cover for passenger vehicles |
US20070074826A1 (en) * | 2003-12-22 | 2007-04-05 | Jelic Ralph G | Retractable shade for coverings for architectural openings |
US20090043193A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Parrish Rob G | Procedure radiograph orientation device and methods of use |
US20090064990A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | Wilkins Karen V | Range roll pliable, heat-resistant silicone stovetop cover for smooth cooktop stoves and ranges |
US20090209155A1 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2009-08-20 | Chapman Thermal Products, Inc. | Layered thermally-insulating fabric with thin heat reflective and heat distributing core |
US20130081608A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | Mary Ida Bonadio | Stove top shield |
US20150157281A1 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2015-06-11 | Rob Gene Parrish | Procedure radiograph orientation device and methods of use |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD810493S1 (en) | 2016-02-25 | 2018-02-20 | Dometic Sweden Ab | Cooktop cover |
USD897769S1 (en) | 2016-02-25 | 2020-10-06 | Dometic Sweden Ab | Cooktop cover |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |